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Anaemia
7-minute read
Key facts
- Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells), which are needed to carry oxygen around your body.
- Anaemia may lead to fatigue and weakness.
- It can be diagnosed with a blood test.
- There are many different causes of anaemia — it's important to find the cause in order to treat it.
- A common type of anaemia is iron-deficiency anaemia, which is usually caused by not eating or absorbing enough iron, or by losing blood.
What is anaemia?
Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells). These are important because they carry oxygen from your lungs around your body.
Anaemia is very common and has many possible causes. It's important to find the cause of the anaemia to be able to treat it.
What are the different types of anaemia?
There are many different types of anaemia, including:
- iron deficiency anaemia — when you don't have enough iron to produce enough red blood cells
- aplastic anaemia — when your bone marrow stops working normally and doesn't produce enough red blood cells
- haemolytic anaemia — when red blood cells die or are destroyed too soon
- anaemia of chronic disease — when health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, lead to anaemia
What are the symptoms of anaemia?
If you have anaemia, you may not have any symptoms at all, or you may experience:
- fatigue or weakness
- a fast heartbeat or palpitations
- dizziness, light-headedness or headaches
- shortness of breath
- pale skin
- cold feet or hands
- chest pain
You may have other symptoms too, depending on the cause of your anaemia.
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What causes anaemia?
There are many types of anaemia and each type has different possible causes.
Anaemia is commonly caused by iron deficiency (a lack of iron). Your body needs iron to produce red blood cells. Iron deficiency can develop due to:
- not eating enough foods that are rich in iron
- health conditions that affect how much iron you can absorb from food — such as coeliac disease
- blood loss — for example, from heavy periods or health conditions that cause bleeding in the stomach or bowel, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or stomach ulcers
- pregnancy — when your body needs more iron
Other causes of anaemia include:
- a lack of vitamin B12 or folate
- inherited conditions — such as thalassaemia, which affects the way your body makes haemoglobin
- some medicines
- viral infections
- chronic health conditions — such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease or hypothyroidism
- cancer
When should I see my doctor?
It's important to see your doctor if you have any symptoms of anaemia or are worried about your iron levels.
Your doctor can refer you for tests to check if you have anaemia and work out its cause, so it can be treated effectively.
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How is anaemia diagnosed?
A blood test called a full blood count looks at your red blood cells and measures the amount of haemoglobin in your blood. If your results lower than expected, you may have anaemia.
Your doctor may also refer you for blood tests to check your iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels, to help work out the cause of the anaemia.
A blood film, where a pathologist looks at the size and shape of your red blood cells, can also help find the cause of your anaemia.
You might be referred for more tests or see a specialist, depending on your symptoms and test results.
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How is anaemia treated?
If you have iron deficiency anaemia, you will need an iron supplement. Usually this involves taking iron tablets for several months. It's a good idea to take them with vitamin C, as this helps you absorb the iron better. Keep in mind that iron tablets can cause side effects including constipation and black bowel motions.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion given directly into a vein.
Your doctor may recommend a vitamin B12 or folic acid supplement if your levels are low.
Other types of treatment depend on what is causing your anaemia. Once your doctor has diagnosed your anaemia, they will talk to you about treatment options.
What are the complications of anaemia?
If you have anaemia during pregnancy, it can lead to your baby being born early or very small.
Anaemia in young children can lead to problems with development.
If anaemia is severe and not treated, it can lead to heart problems such as:
- heart attack
- heart failure
- arrhythmias.
- It can also lead to restless leg syndrome.
Can anaemia be prevented?
Not all types of anaemia are preventable.
Here's how you can reduce your risk of some types of anaemia:
- Maintain a healthy diet that includes iron-rich foods.
- Include foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin B12 — this is especially important if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- See your doctor regularly if you have a chronic health condition.
- Have regular blood tests if you have had gastric sleeve surgery (which affects how you absorb nutrients from food).
Resources and support
Dietitians Australia offers advice on iron levels and how to get more dietary iron.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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